Confocal microscopy and computer-assisted image reconstruction of astrocytes in the mammalian retina.

摘要: The distribution of astrocytes in the vascularized retina pigs, rats and cats was investigated by confocal microscopy computer-assisted image processing. In whole mounts, immunocytochemical identification done staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), blood vessels alpha-smooth muscle actin or collagen IV. Double-staining followed through consecutive optical sections made it possible to precisely align two markers inner retina. resulting reconstructions revealed asymmetric ensheathment GFAP-positive fibres. ultrastructural basis this asymmetry, as studied electron microscopy, found be different pigs cats. pig, firmly ensheathed vessel circumference, but filaments were much more abundant on vitreal lateral than scleral side. By contrast, cat generally confined regions occupied axonal bundles constituted only part vascular glia limitans, else formed Muller cells. Moreover, our observations unambiguously showed that individual maintained simultaneous contact with axons lined vitreous body. physical links provided suggest they are able function central communicating elements between ganglion cells, vasculature